About Kidsgrove Athletic
Kidsgrove Athletic Football Club are based in Kidsgrove, Staffordshire. Nicknamed the Grove, they were formed in 1952 and play at the Autonet Insurance Stadium on Hollinwood Road in the Clough Hall area.
The club won four Mid-Cheshire League titles and two North West Counties League Premier Division crowns before joining the Northern Premier League in 2002. They have won the Staffordshire Senior Cup five times since 2004.
Kidsgrove finished 16th in NPL West in 2025–26. Matt Rhead and Tom Pope were appointed joint managers, bringing notable Port Vale connections to Hollinwood Road.
Quick Facts
Full Name: Kidsgrove Athletic Football Club
Nickname: The Grove
Founded: 1952
Stadium: Autonet Insurance Stadium
Capacity: 2,000
Location: Kidsgrove
League: Northern Premier League West
Stadium Information
Stadium Name
Autonet Insurance Stadium
Address
Autonet Insurance Stadium
Hollinwood Road
Kidsgrove
Staffordshire
ST7 1DQ
Capacity
2,000
Opened
1961
Surface
Grass
Stadium History & Features
Kidsgrove Athletic were formed in 1952 by local young men including Frank Timmis after dissatisfaction with Kidsgrove United's setup. They developed Hollinwood Road from 1961, won the Mid-Cheshire League four times, and joined the NWCFL in 1990.
Promotion to the Northern Premier League followed back-to-back NWCFL titles in 1997–98 and 2001–02. The Grove reached the FA Cup fourth qualifying round in 2011–12 and the FA Vase semi-finals in 1997–98.
Away Fan Seating
No fixed away allocation is published on Wikipedia or kidsgroveathletic.uk. Follow stewards and any fixture notices on the day.
Getting to Autonet Insurance Stadium
By Car from the M6
Leave the M6 at junction 16 for the A500 towards Stoke, take the second exit for Newcastle/Kidsgrove, turn left at the Little Chef roundabout onto the A34, continue through the 30mph zone, turn right at the Toby Carvery lights, then right into Cedar Avenue. Take the second right onto Lower Ash Road and the third left onto Hollinwood Road — the ground is on the left.
By Train
Kidsgrove station is about one mile from the ground on the Stoke–Manchester and Crewe–Derby lines. Walk up Meadows Road, turn right at the post office/library junction, continue via First Avenue and Lower Ash Road to Hollinwood Road.
Travel Tip
Sat nav to ST7 1DQ only gets you to Hollinwood Road — from Cedar Avenue take Lower Ash Road (second right) then the third left onto Hollinwood Road.
Parking Information
Car parking at the Autonet Insurance Stadium is strictly for players and officials. Street parking is available on surrounding roads; Kidsgrove Athletic ask supporters to respect neighbours and not block driveways.
On-site parking
Strictly for players and officials only per kidsgroveathleticfc.co.uk matchday information.
Street parking
On-street parking around the ground. Park sensibly and do not block driveways or pavements per kidsgroveathletic.uk directions.
Clough Hall Pub parking
The Clough Hall Pub has parking for fans heading to the game, a short walk to the ground through Clough Hall Park, per kidsgroveathleticfc.co.uk.
Important Parking Advice
Use official or recommended parking where possible. Always check signs and do not block residents' driveways.
Pubs and Bars
The Clough Hall Pub is named on kidsgroveathleticfc.co.uk for parking and, on some fixtures, ticket collection.
Clough Hall Pub
Location: Near Clough Hall Park, Kidsgrove
Distance: About 2 minutes' walk to the ground
Named on kidsgroveathleticfc.co.uk — parking available for fans, a short walk through Clough Hall Park woodland to Hollinwood Road. On some all-ticket fixtures, remaining tickets may be sold here until 2pm.
Pub Tips for Away Fans
Be respectful and follow any steward or pub instructions. Policies can change by fixture.
Food and Dining Options
Inside the Stadium
Kidsgrove Athletic match notices reference an outdoor bar and snack bar opening around 1pm on published home fixtures.
- Hot Food: Matchday kiosks where available
- Drinks: Soft drinks and, where permitted, alcohol
Near the Stadium
Kidsgrove
Check local listings in Kidsgrove for cafes and restaurants.
Kidsgrove
Kidsgrove has a range of dining options — check local listings for matchday opening times.
Need a hotel?
Staying overnight? Here are some of the highest-rated hotels near Autonet Insurance Stadium on Google. For more options, get more venues on the Follow Away App.
Get more venues on the Follow Away App to find hotels and places to stay near the ground.
Ticket Information
Buying Tickets
Buy at the turnstile on standard fixtures or check kidsgroveathleticfc.co.uk for advance online sales on bigger games.
Ticket Prices
Prices vary by fixture. Check kidsgroveathleticfc.co.uk for current 2026/27 admission.
Important Ticket Information
- Prefer official club channels or your own club's ticket office
- Photo ID may be required for collection or entry
- Never buy from touts or unofficial sources
- Check sale dates and any segregation notices before you travel
Matchday Tips for Away Fans
Before the Match
- Arrive Early: Allow time for travel, parking and security checks.
- Transport: Check rail and bus operators for any matchday changes.
At the Stadium
- Security: Bags may be searched; allow time at the turnstiles.
- Seating: Follow stewards to the correct area for the fixture.
- Facilities: Toilets and kiosks are usually in the concourses or clubhouse.
After the Match
- Exiting: There may be a short hold-back. Follow steward instructions.
- Transport: Allow extra time for the journey back.
General Advice
- Cash & Cards: Many grounds accept contactless; some still prefer cash — check the club site.
- Respect: Be respectful to home fans, stewards and local residents.